Peter Chamberlain

Peter William Chamberlain has sailed on beyond our sight to dock in a beautiful place to join in the party, waiting for the rest of us to arrive. He has now joined his beautiful daughter Cheri Lin DeGreve, his parents Dorothy and Warren Chamberlain, his brothers Dean and Warren, and many other beloved family members and friends.

Pete was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, and began to develop his boundless energy, imagination, humor and innovative mind as a child in rural Sauquoit, New York. His family moved to Patchogue, Long Island, where he met the love of his life and future wife, Linda Huether, at the age of 16. Pete received his B.A. in Economics at Hobart College, and later earned a Master’s in Public Administration.

Pete retired as a U.S.A.F. Lieutenant Colonel, with 25 years of service, which includes four years of flying gunship and combat support in Vietnam. He earned two Distinguished Flying Crosses and 24 other medals of recognition. After retirement from the Air Force, Pete spent 16 years self-employed as a defense consultant to major corporations in the United States.

He moved to Rockport, Texas, to enjoy retirement, his family and to devote himself to giving back through volunteerism and charitable works. Since then, Pete has been respected for his volunteer work and his ability to organize permanent charitable services. Most notably, he is a founder of the Community Table program, providing regular free meals to the public through a network of local churches and service organizations.

During his time in Rockport, Pete earned the Citizen of the Year Award from the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce, and the Community Builder Award from the Rockport Masonic Lodge. He has served as an Elder of the First Presbyterian Church and as an active member of the Rockport Yacht Club.

He is best known for his jovial, loving and optimistic spirit. He had a great love and loyalty for friends and country, sailing and cars, and – above all else – family. He and Linda shared many adventures while raising three kids in a happy and loving home. Pete wanted all to know that he had a truly wonderful life. He passed peacefully in great care. He will be laid to rest with a family graveside military ceremony at the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery.

Pete Chamberlain is survived by his beloved wife Linda; children and spouses Peter and Sheila Chamberlain, Nicole Gloor and Jason Marton, the late Cheri DeGreve’s husband Ross DeGreve and Sheryl DeGreve; grandchildren and spouses Ross and Danielle DeGreve, Owen and Stephanie DeGreve, Haley and Matthew Nickell, Gage Chamberlain, Samantha Gloor and Max Marton; and great-grandchildren Eden, Jesse and Asher Nickell, Brooks DeGreve and Cheri DeGreve.

A Celebration of Pete’s life will be held at the Rockport Yacht Club on September 17th for all friends and family. Come anytime between 1:00pm and 4:00pm to share memories and enjoy each other’s company!

In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made in Pete’s memory to the Community Table through First Presbyterian Church, 301 Hwy 35 N, Rockport, TX 78382.